Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Protect Hawaii's Waters And Resources By Prohibiting Seabed Mining.
The resolution notes that seabed mining could irreparably damage unique and fragile marine ecosystems that are critical for both biodiversity and the health of the ocean. The escalating demands placed on Hawaii's marine resources, exacerbated by climate change and local pollutants, necessitate the protection of these ecosystems. HR26 advocates for precautionary measures, aligned with global calls for a moratorium on seabed mining activities until sufficient scientific data is obtained to assess the potential ecological impacts comprehensively.
House Resolution 26 (HR26), introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii, urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prohibit seabed mining within Hawaii's state waters. The resolution highlights the significant economic, environmental, and cultural importance of Hawaii's oceans, emphasizing the need to protect these waters from potential harm associated with seabed mining activities. HR26 reflects concerns over the ecological impacts, such as habitat degradation, loss of marine species, sediment pollution, and threats to seafood safety. These concerns are compounded by the lack of comprehensive scientific understanding regarding the long-term effects of seabed mining.
Opposition to seabed mining arises from concerns that the practice could negatively affect Hawaii's fishing and tourism industries, which are crucial to the state's economy. With Hawaii residents deriving considerable annual income from fishing and tourism linked to marine activities, any degradation of ocean health could lead to significant financial losses. Additionally, the resolution calls for measures to prevent transboundary impacts from mining operations outside of national jurisdictions, indicating the need for a multilateral approach to maritime conservation and resource management. By advocating for these protective measures, HR26 echoes a broader movement towards sustainable ocean governance.